Click to see larger image

China for export

Porcelain

1 x 7  7/8 (dia.) in.
(2.5 x 20 cm)

Fitzhugh China
The term Fitzhugh refers to a group of usually blue-and-white patterns of Chinese export porcelain made principally between c. 1780 and c. 1840. Elements that appear in this decorative group include a central medallion -- sometimes replaced with a monogram or armorial -- surrounded by four clusters of flowers and emblems most frequently associated with four accomplishments of the Chinese scholar: music, painting, analytical skill, and calligraphy. The whole is enclosed by either a trellis diaper and spearhead border, sometimes called Nanking, or the complex design made up of butterfly, cell diaper, and floral motifs. On some sets identified as Fitzhugh, only the latter border appears around a central motif that does not include floral groups. George Washington's Cincinnati service and the service made for James Talcot Watson, shown here in a sauce dish, fall into this sub-category of the Fitzhugh group.

The definition of this group has developed over a long period of time on both sides of the Atlantic. Sir Algernon Tudor-Craig was the first to suggest that the source of the Fitzhugh designation may have been as a corruption of the pronunciation for the port of Foochow. However, J.B.S. Holmes pointed out that Foochow was not a western port until the 1840s and was not associated with making or shipping china during the period of the Fitzhugh pattern's greatest popularity. Holmes

further discussed his discovery that members of the English FitzHugh family had played important roles in the British East India Company over three generations as variously ship's captain, supercargo, company director, and president of the Canton factory (company warehouse and office). In England, "true Fitzhugh" porcelains are those that mimic pieces associated with William FitzHugh, a supercargo at Canton who shipped china back to England in 1778, 1789, and 1791. His pattern displays the medallion, four floral groups, and the trellis diaper and spearhead border.

Fitzhugh patterns seem to have been more popular with Americans than with the English reflecting the rise to prominence of the American traders at the time. Consequently, there is more variation in the examples that survive in this country. Although the blue-and-white versions are more numerous, several other colors occur also including (in ascending order of rarity) brown or sepia, orange, green, yellow, rose-pink, black or gray, overglaze blue enamel, lavender, and gilt. The most dramatic of the American market Fitzhugh variations feature an eagle magnificently spread bearing a ribbon with E PLURIBUS UNUM and surrounded by the complex butterfly and flower border. The shield on the eagle's breast may display the blue field and red-and-white stripes of the American flag or initials of the set's original owner. Those shown here with initials BA were made for the family of Benjamin Aymar of New York City.

Authors:
Bert and Ellen Denker